RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- Taylor Johns enjoyed himself in the paint, scoring a career-high 31 points to lead California-Riverside to its first victory of the year, a 72-67 win over Montana State Saturday.

Johns was either dunking or putting in layups most of the night for UC-Riverside (1-2), shooting 13 of 16 from the field. Steven Thornton contributed 11 points, making 6 of 7 free throws.

Montana State (0-2) stayed even with the Highlanders at first and actually held a 23-15 lead with 6:42 remaining in the first half. Thornton hit a 3-pointer with 7 seconds remaining in the half to tie the score at 30. A Johns jumper, followed by a free throw, put the Highlanders in the lead early in the second. The Bobcats came back to tie three times but could never retake the lead.

Paul Egwuonwu, 13 points, and Flavien Davis, 12 points, were the top scorers for the Bobcats.